A comparative study on the accuracy of noninvasive thermometers

Background

This study assessed the concordance
of the temperatures of the digital, liquid
crystal forehead and digital infrared
tympanic thermometers with the
mercury in glass thermometer.

Methods

Temperatures in degrees celsius were
taken simultaneously using the four
thermometers in 207 patients at the
casualty department of a Malaysian
hospital. The Bland Altman statistical test
was used to assess the concordance by
the 95% limits of agreement between
the three newer thermometers and the
mercury in glass thermometer.

Results

The digital thermometer gave the best
concordance (limits of agreement
0.48–0.59°C). The liquid crystal forehead
thermometer gave the least concordance
(limits of agreement -1.14–0.98°C). The
digital infrared tympanic was in between
(limits of agreement -0.88–0.85°C).

Discussion

The digital thermometer provides the
best agreement with the mercury
in glass thermometer. The infrared
tympanic thermometer may be a
preferable option for the uncooperative
patient. The liquid crystal forehead
thermometer is best used at home.

Temperature is one of the most common and important clinical signs. The ‘gold standard’ for ambulatory patient temperature recording has been the mercury in glass thermometers (generally used orally or rarely, under the armpit or rectally) but these pose some problems. Patient cooperation is important when using the mercury in glass thermometers and their use may not be suitable for the comatose or uncooperative patient as a stabilisation time of 3 minutes is needed. In addition, breakages are a constant problem and there are concerns about the environmental hazards of mercury. Newer methods have evolved with the hope of replacing these thermometers.

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